Steve Lavigne

The A/C switch on the ventilation controls on my '86 951 no longer is able to stay engaged. If I hold the switch down, the A/C operates, but the catch which holds it down does not.

I'm wondering what the easy fix for this is. Obviously, the easiest thing is probably to replace the whole control unit, but I imagine that would be quite pricey. Has anyone had experience repairing or replacing these switches?

I'm currently in Arizona, so A/C is a fairly nice thing to have.

TIA

bron964

i'm having the same problem. i would also be very interested in finding out how difficult a repair this will be.

mine only catches when i push it in and up a little.

just another item on the neverending "to do" list

<img src="graemlins/cussing.gif" border="0" alt="[grrrrrrr]" />

Steve Lavigne

I tried pushing the switch in all sorts of directions and can't get it to catch. Before I had this problem it usually took two pushes to get it to catch.

MadMax

Well guys, unfortunately there isn't an "easy" fix. But I guess that depends on how skilled you are with a soldering iron and circuit boards. In order to replace the switch you have to remove the unit (duh) and then un-solder (is that a word) the bad switch from the circuit board. I believe you can order just the switch from Porsche. I'm not sure though.

The easiest way is to simply replace the entire unit. Good used units cost anywhere from $100-$225. They are considerabley more from Porsche. I have two units currently that I was getting ready to put on Ebay. If you are interested in either of them email me off list. One is from a 1991 S2 and the other is from a 1988 Turbo. One unit is in excellent condition and the other is in reasonable condition. Both units are fully functioning just one is cosmetically more appealing.

Good luck, Mad Max

Perry 951

You can easily dissaseble the switch. There is a small white peice of plastic on a swivel that catches a tang on the inner part of the switch. When you push it in, the tangs on it lock on the catch and hold it there. It may have broken, or it is not aligned right. Search "Climate Control LED" for disassembly instructions.

MadMax

Perry, are you sure? If so, that's so cool. I have been trying to figure out an easy way to remove those damned buttons for the last two weeks as I would like to piece together two really nice a/c control units (button/**** wise). Have you tried this yourself? I will look for it right now.

Max

Perry 951

I have replaced every bulb in there with LED's, so I have had the buttons apart many times. The link is the procesure to install the bulbs, but it details the process of disassembly of the switch.
<a href="http://forums.rennlist.com/forums/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic&f=15&t=002825" target="_blank">CC Buttons and LED's</a>

MadMax

Perry, thanks man. I am thrilled. I was tinkering around with the control units last Sunday and got as far as removing the black box portion that houses everything. I stopped when I got to removing the clear plastic panel because I couldn't figure out how to get it off and I was too affraid (yeah, that's right...affraid) of breaking the unit. Thanks for the procedure. I'll give it a try. It will allow me to fix/swap around the good switches.

You da' man. <img src="graemlins/r.gif" border="0" alt="[king]" />
Max

bron964

thanks for the input too Perry! i might give it shot this weekend....

<img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" />

MadMax

Okay Perry,
I'm no mechanical dope but I can't seem to follow your procedure to remove the buttons etc...I've got the ***** off and and I have removed the black backing case and the nut and washer. I have pryed on the button surrounds and they just don't want to come off. Does the clear plastic panel pop off over the button surrounds? It seems like something is going to break. I really can't afford to break one of these. Do the entire button/switch assemblies pull out of the unit?

Max

MadMax

Bump. Perry, help!

Perry 951

The plastic panel comes off, it takes some wiggling and prying to get it off the surround though. Unfortunately, you need to get it off to get to the inside 2 clips on the switch. If you snap it in a corner, it is no big thing, but if you break it that sucks. You can epoxy it back together and have it be just fine, just be sure you break it in an area that is covered by the black cover.

What I did is use a small flat blade screwdriver to pry it out from under the surround. Once one side is up, it is easy from there.

MadMax

Thanks Perry. I'll give another try this afternoon. I think I might just use my dremel cutting bit to purposely cut the clear plastic plate. Then I would have a nice even edge to epoxy back into position after I redo the switches. When I glue it back into place I would just "spot" glue it kind of like tack welding with glue so I would have easily grindable areas for removal in the future. I might be able to get away with one cut. Does anyone know where I can get new bulbs? I don't feel like soldering in led's and resistors. I just want to replace the bulbs while I have it open. Is Radio Shack the best source.

Perry 951

It is not easy, but the Shack should have them.

Steve Cooper

Great thread. My 951's PO had installed a small rotating lever to lock the AC button down. It blends in well, but I always get jealous when I see clean dahses without this silly little lever. Apparently PO #1 used toothpicks to hold the AC button in the recessed position. I'm looking forward to fixing this and buying a new face plate to replace the current one.

Cool stuff!

Cheers,

Steve Cooper